ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF SARNATH
ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF SARNATH
(From the beginning to Gupta
Period)
CONTENTS
·
Introduction (About Sarnath)
·
Dhamek Stupa
·
Chaukhandi Stupa
·
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
·
Main Shrine and Ashoka Pillar
·
Jain Temple
·
Holy Places in Sarnath
INTRODUCTION :
·
Sarnath, 10km
from Varanasi, is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centers.
.
It is
believed that after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, it was here that
Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, sanctified as Maha Dharm Chakra
Parivartan.
·
The great
Dhamekh Stupa and several other structures stand testimony to the importance
the place enjoyed at that time.
·
The Chaukhandi
Stupa is the place where, during his first visit to Sarnath, Lord Buddha met
his first five disciples.
·
The area is a
treasure trove of archaeological findings such as Dharmrajika Stupa and
Mulgandhkuti Vihar.
·
The smooth
glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. marks the
foundation of the Buddhist Sangha, and the Lion Capital atop this pillar is now
India's National Emblem.
Dhamek Stupa:
One of the most
visited and most revered Buddhist structures in the world, Dhamek Stupa Sarnath
lies at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh state of India. One of the holiest sites for
Buddhist pilgrimage in India, Sarnath is famous as the place where Lord Buddha
had delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya.
Dhamek Stupa Sarnath marks the spot where the Buddha preached his first
message. Built by the great Mauryan king Ashoka in 249 B.C.E., Dhamek Stupa
lies inside the Deer park in Sarnath.
Home to the most extensive ruins among sacred Buddhist destinations in the Indian subcontinent, Sarnath houses several stupas, excavated ruins of age old monasteries, temples, museums, gardens and various other interesting sites. Prominent among the Buddhist structures in Sarnath is the Dhamek Stupa Sarnath – one of the finest Monuments in Sarnath.
History:
Following the parinirvana of Lord Buddha, His mortal remains after cremation were distributed and buried under 8 mounds and the embers and urn were placed under 2 other mounds making a total count of 10 such monuments consisting the relics of Lord Buddha.
Although lack of
proper information regarding such ancient monuments made it difficult to
identify the original 10 mounds consisting of the relics of Lord Buddha, it
appears that the Stupas at Sanchi and Sarnath are elaborative and decorative
expansions of two such original mounds.
Great Indian Emperor,
Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty who reigned over almost the entire Indian
subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE endeavoured in building several
Stupas consisting of relics of Lord Buddha and His disciples across India in
his pursuit to spread Buddhism. In 249 BCE he commissioned to build the Dhamek
Stupa in Sarnath which was later reconstructed in 500 CE along with
construction of various other structures in Sarnath.
Chinese Buddhist
monk, scholar, translator and traveller Xuanzang visited Sarnath in 640 CE
during which time he recorded the height of the Stupa to be around 91 m and
mentioned presence of 1500 priests in the colony.
Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath Uttar Pradesh is one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in India. Built in 249 B.C.E. by the great Mauryan king Ashoka, Dhamek stupa boasts of a distinct architectural pattern in itself. History mentions that Emperor Ashoka who took several measures to spread the Buddha’s message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, had embarked on a tour to Sarnath around 234 B.C. and thereupon he erected the Dhamek Stupa Sarnath.
It was around that time that he built the
Dhamek Stupa Sarnath and several other monuments to commemorate his pilgrimage
at Sarnath.
It is widely believed that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon to his five disciples at the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, and thus was set in motion the Wheel of Dharma. The stupa bears special significance for devout Buddhist as it marks the ‘seat of the holy Buddha’ as he proclaimed his faith.
It is widely believed that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon to his five disciples at the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, and thus was set in motion the Wheel of Dharma. The stupa bears special significance for devout Buddhist as it marks the ‘seat of the holy Buddha’ as he proclaimed his faith.
Architecture
This massive Stupa is
cylindrical in shape and built with red bricks and stone with the lower part
being entirely covered with aesthetically pleasing carved stones.
 |
| Dhamek Stupa. |
Presumably the base
of the Stupa dates back to the Ashokan period. Veneering sandstone encase the
structure till the height of 11.2 m and niches facing 8 directions that
possibly held images earlier are present.
The stone facing
under the niches are ornamented with fine floral carvings that manifest high
level of craftsmanship on stone during the period of Gupta Dynasty.
Significance of the Place
History says after
Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, He gave His first sermon to
five disciples at this spot which throughout its long history has been
variously known as Rishipattana, Isipatana, Mrigadava and Migadaya apart from
the most popular name, Sarnath.
This famous event in
the life of Lord Buddha is called the ‘Dharma Chakra Pravartana’ or setting the
‘Wheel of Law’ in motion. According to sources, Lord Buddha visited Sarnath and
while staying here he performed meditation. Thus, for Buddhists, this place
marks as one of the four most sacred places associated with Lord Buddha with
the other three being Lumbini, the site of birth;
Bodhgaya, the site of
enlightenment; and Kushinagar, the site of nirvana of Lord Buddha. This place
also marks the foundation of the first ‘Sangh’ that included Lord Buddha and
around 60 monks among others.
The place became
significant archeologically when in 1798 Mr. J. Duncan reported about a stone
box that contained a casket of green marble, which was exposed while the
Dharmarajika Stupa was being dismantled by the workers of the Dewan of King
Chet Singh of Benaras, Jagat Singh. Over time, several other excavation works
were carried out in and around this structure.
One such initial
excavation work unearthed a stone tablet which revealed that this Stupa is
known as Dhamek which historians generally believe to be a distorted form of
Dharma Chakra meaning turning the Wheel of Dharma.
Buddhist pilgrims
from around the world including many national and international dignitaries
visit the Stupa to circumambulate it and offer prayer to Lord Buddha.
Description:
The Dhamek Stupa Sarnath is a cylindrical tower, 43.6 m high and 28 m in diameter. Built of bricks and stone, it is the most massive structure in Sarnath. The lower portion of the stupa is covered with stones that are chiseled with exquisite floral carvings of the Gupta period. The borders of the stupa bear delicately carved figures of humans and birds.
The panels of Dhamek Stupa Sarnath also consist of a broad band of ‘Swastikas’ (fylfot). These Swastikas were carved in various geometrical patterns, with an intricately chiseled lotus wreath running over and below the carvings.
The structure of the
stupa was supposedly expanded and enlarged as many as 12 times in the course of
history. Each successive patron of the Dhamek Stupa Sarnath had in turn added
and beautified the original shrine.
The main area of
Dhamek Stupa in Uttar Pradesh India has been enclosed, and it consists of a
labyrinth of ruined monasteries and stupas.
Numerous dignitaries as well as devout Buddhist pilgrims from far and wide visit the Dhamek Stupa Sarnath for circumambulation of this sacred stupa.
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Chaukhandi Stupa:
Heralded as one of the holiest sites for Buddhist
pilgrimage in India, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is famous as the site where Lord
Buddha had delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Home to
some of the most extensive ruins among sacred Buddhist sites, Sarnath houses
several stupas, excavated ruins of age old monasteries, temples, museums,
gardens and various other interesting sites. Prominent among the tourist
attractions in Sarnath is the Chaukhandi Sarnath – one of the finest Monuments
in Sarnath.
A monument worth visit while on tour to Uttar Pradesh, Chaukhandi Sarnath lies on the way to the famous Deer Park where the Buddha preached his first sermon. The stupa is believed to have been built to commemorate the spot where the Buddha had met the five ascetics whom he later preached his first teachings.
A monument worth visit while on tour to Uttar Pradesh, Chaukhandi Sarnath lies on the way to the famous Deer Park where the Buddha preached his first sermon. The stupa is believed to have been built to commemorate the spot where the Buddha had met the five ascetics whom he later preached his first teachings.
History:
The Chaukhandi Stupa in Sarnath is the first monument you will witness as you enter Sarnath. An important Buddhist stupa in Sarnath, Chaukhandi has considerable historical significance. It is widely believed that Chaukhandi Sarnath was originally built as a terraced temple during the Gupta period between the 4th to 6th centuries. Later, Govardhan – the son of a local king modified the stupa to its present form by erecting an octagonal Mughal tower surrounding the square edifice of the stupa.
The tower was built to commemorate the visit of
Humayun – the powerful Mughal Ruler.
Chaukhandi Sarnath marks the site where Lord Buddha reunited with his five companions who had previously left him at Bodhgaya. History has it that after attaining Enlightenment in Bodhgaya, the Buddha traveled to Sarnath, whereupon he delivered his first sermon to these five companions at the Deer Park in Sarnath. It is at this deer park of Sarnath where the Lord preached his first discourse.
Chaukhandi Sarnath marks the site where Lord Buddha reunited with his five companions who had previously left him at Bodhgaya. History has it that after attaining Enlightenment in Bodhgaya, the Buddha traveled to Sarnath, whereupon he delivered his first sermon to these five companions at the Deer Park in Sarnath. It is at this deer park of Sarnath where the Lord preached his first discourse.
Thus, was set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma’.
Chaukhandi Sarnath is a historical site that evokes a lot of emotion among
Buddhist pilgrims and regular tourists who visit Sarnath.
A structure made predominantly of bricks, Chaukhandi Sarnath is a must visit site on any tour to Sarnath.
A structure made predominantly of bricks, Chaukhandi Sarnath is a must visit site on any tour to Sarnath.
Description:
Presently, Chaukhandi in Sarnath Uttar Pradesh stands as a high earthen mound covered with an edifice made of bricks and topped by an octagonal tower. The stupa is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
A lofty mound of brickwork surrounded by an octagonal Mughal tower, Chaukhandi Sarnath stands on a terraced rectangular plinth.
This low circular funeral mound is encircled by
large stones. Recently, the Archeological Survey of India has started
restoration work on the Chaukhandi stupa in Sarnath that has for ages been in
depleted condition.
 |
| Chaukahndi Stupa. |
Several stupas, excavated ruins of age old
monasteries, the deer park and various other interesting sites constitute the
major tourist attractions in Sarnath. Besides the Chaukhandi Sarnath, other
must visit monuments on Sarnath include the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar and
others.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar:
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Sarnath is situated amidst
brick ruins of ancient Sarnath, and is well known for its magnificent murals
and frescos. This Buddhist Temple is relatively new and therefore offers a
sharp contrast to the ruins of Sarnath; this temple also stands out with its
distinct architecture which is nowhere near the style followed by Buddhist
architecture. The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is
particularly famous for its frescos and murals.
Sarnath (also known as Mrigadava, Migadaya, Rishipattana, Isipatana) is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma. This is also the place where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Isipatana or Sarnath was mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage which his devout followers should visit.
Sarnath (also known as Mrigadava, Migadaya, Rishipattana, Isipatana) is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma. This is also the place where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Isipatana or Sarnath was mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage which his devout followers should visit.
History:
The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Sarnath in India been erected by the Maha Bodhi society in the year 1931. The frescos on the walls of this monastery were done by the famous Kosetsu Nosu who happens to be Japan's foremost painter.
Description:
Built around a large compound of lush well-manicured lawns and gardens, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Sarnath resembles a Hindu temple as far as its structure is concerned. The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar In Sarnath In Uttar Pradesh boasts of some of the most magnificent and colorful Frescoes that have been made by the magical hands of. Kosetsu Nosu a famous Japanese painter.
 | ||
| Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. |
A huge bell dominates the entrance of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. The royal scions of Japan have gifted this mammoth bronze bell to the temple. However, the most striking aspect of this temple is the beautiful life-size golden idol of the Lord Buddha that is installed at the sanctum.
In the campus of the Vihar you can also see the Bodhi tree whose sapling was brought from a tree in Sri Lanka, which was in turn grown from a sapling of the original Maha Bodhi tree under which
Buddha gained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, 2500
years ago. Mahendra and Sanghmitra, son and daughter of Ashoka the Great
respectively, took the sapling from this original tree during their voyage to
Sri Lanka.
Main Shrine and Ashoka Pillar
A sleepy little town lying close to Varanasi, Sarnath is Uttar Pradesh state of India is the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. One of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers in India, Sarnath is home to several stupas, excavated ruins of age old monasteries, the deer park and various other interesting sites. Prominent among the tourist attractions in Sarnath is the Main Shrine and Ashoka Pillar Sarnath – two of the finest Monuments in Sarnath.
Must visit sites while on tour to Uttar Pradesh, Main Shrine and Ashoka Pillar Sarnath are historical sites that evoke a lot of emotion among the numerous Buddhist pilgrims, dignitaries and regular tourists who embark on tours to Sarnath every year.
History:
The Main Shrine called Mulagandhakuti is believed to be the hut where the Buddha used to sit in meditation during his visits to Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. It is a huge building that extends, in a series of ruined shrines and miniature stupas, from about 18 m to the north of the Dharmarajika Stupa right up to the Dhamek Stupa – the eastern most monument in Sarnath town. History has it that Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, who visited Sarnath in the 7th century AD had recorded that the Main Shrine Sarnath was 61 m high.
In the 3rd century B.C., Emperor Ashoka – the great Maurya ruler was believed to have built a number of monuments in Sarnath Uttar Pradesh, which included the famous Ashokan Pillar located near the Main Shrine. A monolithic railing of Chinar sandstone, 2.54 m long and 1.45 m tall was found by F.O. Oertel below the foundation of the south chapel of the Main Shrine. He had undertaken excavations at Sarnath in 1904, with requisite permission from the Archeological Survey of India.
Although the inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar in Sarnath Uttar Pradesh date back to the post-Kushan period, the glistening surface of the pillar indicates that it is an Ashokan monument.
Today, the Main Shrine and Ashoka Pillar Sarnath are among the major tourist attractions in Sarnath.
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| Ashokan Pillar. |
Description:
The Main Shrine Sarnath can be entered from the entrance at the east. In front of the entrance is a long courtyard housing shrines and stupas of varying sizes, stretching from the entrance to the Damekh stupa further east.
A concrete pavement runs around the shrine and brick walls are raised inside the main chamber to prevent the roofs from collapsing. A Gupta style Standing Buddha statue found in the chapel on the southern side of the main shrine indicates that it was built by the Guptas.
The Main Shrine and Ashoka Pillar Sarnath lie in
the same vicinity in Sarnath Uttar Pradesh.
The most exquisite specimen of Mauryan sculpture - the Lion Capital once topped the Ashoka Pillar at Deer Park Sarnath. A prized possession of the Archeological Museum Sarnath today, this glistening sandstone capital depicts four lions sitting back to back on a circular abacus. The abacus shows four running animals – bull, elephant, horse and lion. The Lion Capital is now the National Emblem of India.
The most exquisite specimen of Mauryan sculpture - the Lion Capital once topped the Ashoka Pillar at Deer Park Sarnath. A prized possession of the Archeological Museum Sarnath today, this glistening sandstone capital depicts four lions sitting back to back on a circular abacus. The abacus shows four running animals – bull, elephant, horse and lion. The Lion Capital is now the National Emblem of India.
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